Social protection is a human right, a commitment in the SDGs and it is an effective policy instrument to address the multiple crises we currently face like a changing climate, conflict and their links with poverty, hunger, and inequality.

While progress has been made in expanding access to social protection, there are still huge gaps in coverage. This is especially worrying in rural areas where there is a concentration of poor and vulnerable people with limited access to financial and social services, and informal employment is widespread.

Consequently, poor, and vulnerable rural households face colossal challenges in beneficially participating in economic opportunities, such as those in agrifood systems. Without access to adequate and comprehensive social protection, rural populations risk being left behind, blocking progress on reducing poverty and inequality.

By framing social protection as an investment, FAO advocates for increasing finance, provides technical support and trains governments to tailor social protection systems to the needs of rural populations.

The Organization also develops the capacities of civil society and producer organizations to participate in policy dialogue on social protection and to claim their rights.

FAO also generates evidence to influence thinking on the importance of social protection to enable rural households to take part in economic development, and to bridge the humanitarian-development divide.

The Organization’s s focus on social protection is an entry point for a more inclusive and gender-responsive rural agrifood transformation which leaves no one behind.

This helps to overcome deeply rooted inequalities that are still hindering sustainable development, poverty reduction and getting the 2030 Agenda back on track.